What's the optimum barrel length for 357 SIG?

That is, when it comes to ballistics. In a practical size...< 7" barrel. Curious mind wants to know.:)

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tlhelmer

May 24, 2003, 09:22 PM

Good question! I want to know as well. I have heard that the round was designed around a 4" bbl, but i am not sure.

Lone_Gunman

May 24, 2003, 10:26 PM

Zero inches.

This is a trick question.

Rich357

May 24, 2003, 10:50 PM

It depends on the powder used. A fast burning power may give you more velocity from a short barrel than a slow burning powder. You may not see as much of in increase in velocity if you use that same load (fast burning powder) in a longer barrel compared to using a somewhat slower burning powder.

I have a 5.32" KKM barrel in .357SIG for my Glock 35. It works great.

Rich

Rich357

May 27, 2003, 02:36 AM

Here is some data from the Glock Annual '99, article "Glock's .357 Trio", page 80. It gives some idea of the effect of barrel lenght when using the .357SIG.

I think the round was designed to mimic a .357 Mag shot from a police service revolver. So I think it was designed for best performance out of a 4" barrel.

Akurat

May 27, 2003, 09:21 AM

Um, ok then...6.99 inches.

MrAcheson

May 27, 2003, 09:35 AM

When folks compared .357mag to 357sig, the switchover was usually at around 4 inches. Sig uses faster powders so it performs better in shorter barrels, but at around 4 inches the Magnum takes over and never looks back.

Caseless

May 27, 2003, 02:51 PM

So the 357 SIG round is designed around a 4" barrel, with relatively fast burning powder. That makes sense. I just don't see many full size pistols(5"+ barrel) in 357 SIG. The only factory ones I know are the S.A. XD Tac. and Sig Sport.

Ala Dan

May 28, 2003, 03:12 PM

Greeting's All-

I think SIG has it right; 3.86" in the P229!:D :) :uhoh:

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

tlhelmer

May 28, 2003, 07:13 PM

Ala Dan,

I thought you were a die hard .45 fan in the P220? Do you like the .357 Sig in a 229 as well?:what:

Poohgyrr

May 28, 2003, 08:26 PM

Ahem,

I kinda like the .357 Sig barrel I just bought for my G35. Just about the right length. Figure if I need a speed demon, this should about do it. If I need a heavier bullet, I'll use the .40 barrel, or switch to a Smith .44 Mag :), or a Remington 12 Ga slug. :what:
:neener:

PS: I still think the .40 Hi Power is the best .40 out there...

caz223

May 28, 2003, 09:37 PM

I think that 5" would be plenty, but factory loads are more tuned to the sub 4" barrels that are more common.
Anywhere between 3.5"-5" is fine, I'm sure.

Ala Dan

May 29, 2003, 01:51 AM

Hey tlhelmer-

Yes, I am a die-hard .45 caliber SIG P220 fan to the max!:uhoh:

But, if I had to choose the P229 I would tend to favor
the .357 SIG cartridge; over that of the .40 S&W.

Why?

Very simple, I'm just NOT A FAN of .40 caliber weapon's!
Give me the time-tested .45 ACP for any type of
occassion.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

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